Legislation would impose tougher penalties on those who stage auto accidents
 
(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,I,C – Glen Head) is co-sponsoring legislation (A.6177) to punish people who stage accidents in order to commit insurance fraud. Due to the nuances of no-fault insurance policies, criminals are staging accidents and filing insurance claims, costing policyholders and insurers an estimated $1 billion annually. “Alice’s Bill,” as the legislation is known, is named for 71-year-old Alice Ross, who was killed in an accident staged to defraud insurance companies.
 
“Women and elderly drivers are often the targets of these staged accidents due to typically being less confrontational after an accident. As we have seen in the tragic case of Alice Ross, these accidents can be fatal,” said Montesano. “Alice’s Bill is such an important piece of legislation, not simply as a way to combat insurance fraud, but as a matter of public safety.”
 
If enacted, Alice’s Bill would make it a felony to take part in a staged accident. Punishment would vary depending on the severity of the accident and injuries to uninvolved victims.